The head of BMW M recently came out with a hint (you pay attention to those when they’re from auto execs) that manual transmissions might not make it into all M cars in the future. He told Autocar “from a technical standpoint, the future doesn’t look bright for manual gearboxes. The DCT and auto ’boxes […] (visit MotoringFile for the full article) More...
I fear it has more to do with $$$$... MINI's Herbert Hooverism... Why offer a low cost manual when you can have an automatic in every pot?
Please just close down BMW and MINI and save us from this. Screw save the wave, how about save the stick.
Yer older'n dirt if you remember when automatic trannies were an option and Dynaflow was bragging rights.
Just as electric start proved easier and more efficient than crank start, the manual will someday be seen only in history books.
I was actually spec-ing an All4 auto a while back, when the Doc's were talking about taking off my left flipper at the shoulder. Not even on the distant horizon now that that's pretty much off the table. I can count the number of automatics that I have owned in the last 50 years on one hand.
I was seriously ticked off that my Tundra was not available with a manual trans....! I almost, almost resorted to buying a Ford F-250 V10 as it could be ordered with a 6 speed transmission...... It's just so sad...paddle shifters and full autos are ruling the day now. I still never tire of catching a green light or arrow when approaching an intersection and nailing a perfect, rev-matching heal-toe downshift...few things in life are more satisfying
I actually saw that very thing happen while out to lunch one day, four young office type folks eating lunch with one hand and texting the others with the other hand. Once every so often one them would mention something to the others and they would nod in agreement. I thought it very strange at the time but you see every where now.